plaperriere

Hello. I posted a lengthy e-mail elsewhere the other night, and Lucy and some others were extremely helpful. But, I wanted to continue it here since this is the "beginners" area.

I read a few posts on fry here. I too am a "fry parent" now. Had no idea giving birth to fry would be easier than my real kids! Anyway...I just moved all the fish, 1 male and 2 female (I think) platy's, an algae eater, and about 11 fry to my new 20 gallon tank 2 days ago. I was pretty sure I have been told that doing water changes every 2 days until the "cycle" is established is a good idea. So, I did it today. I removed somewhere in the vicinity of 20% of the water. Was that good enough? Too much? I am testing the water as we speak to see if the ammonia is up or not...

Also...as a result of trying to stir up and get rid of as much "stuff" at the bottom of the tank...the tank has gotten a little cloudy...is that normal and will that correct itself over time?

Any help on this would be great. My "little ones" seem to be doing fine in the tank with their parents. I loaded up the tank with fake plants and lots of larger rocks. They hide pretty darn good! Thanks.

fishlover78

the 20% sounds good to me, and the cloudiness is because the bacteria is blooming in the tank! Yeah its cycling!

Lucy

You may want to up that to 50%. Remember, any ammonia is toxic.

It sounds like you're doing water changes with a bucket and stirring up the bottom? The debris you don't get will settle down. You might want to look into getting a gravel vacuum. Here's a video that Kate and her daughter made with great instructions on using one:
1-2-3 easy aquarium siphon instructions - video


Glad to hear the little ones are doing well.

Shawnie

I just want to add that water changes should be everyday until it cycles ....and depending on which type of algae eater you have, he may stop the cycle if its a common one as they produce way too much poo and waste for a 20 gal im wishing you well on the cycle tho! its tough when doing it with fish..alot of us have been there